Numbers of old Kansas train depots continue dwindling

Some Kansas towns are grappling with how to save the dwindling number of historic railroad depots.

Some Kansas towns are grappling with how to save the dwindling number of historic railroad depots.

The Wichita Eagle (http://bit.ly/2fl8RJa) reports that in the state that had nearly 2,000 depots less than a century ago, the Kansas Historical Society estimates that fewer than 180 old depots remain. Thirty-two are listed on the state or national historic registers.

Many of the depot brick buildings, which often replaced wooden ones, were built at the turn of the 20th century in county seats or other important towns. But rail lines – and by extension, depots – took a hit as the nation’s highway system grew.

Several Kansas towns have worked to preserve the history. Dodge City, Mulvane, El Dorado and Marysville all have renovated their depots.